The Queen formally opens ACC Liverpool, home of the Echo Arena and BT Convention Centre
22 May 08
The Queen formally opened the Arena and Convention Centre Liverpool (ACC Liverpool) today.
Her Majesty and His Royal Highness were given a tour of the ACC Liverpool, home of the Echo Arena and BT Convention Centre, before The Queen unveiled a plaque marking its final completion and opening.
Liverpool Culture Company also put on a programme of activity to give The Queen and His Royal Highness a taste of the city's year as European Capital of Culture. This included a number of performances themed around the 2008 celebrations and the opportunity to meet participants from community projects.
The Queen, who arrived at ACC Liverpool in a Bentley together with the Duke of Edinburgh, wore a pale pink suit and matching hat together with a pink wool coat. She was shown around by Chief Executive, Bob Prattey while The Duke was given a guided tour by Convention Centre General Manager, Jacquie Rogers.
The Queen told of how she had seen remarkable changes in the city.
Delegates from the Royal College of Ophthalmologists Annual Congress who were holding their event in the BT Convention Centre were delighted to join in greeting the Queen to the venue.
Bob Prattey said: "We were delighted to welcome The Queen and Prince Phillip to ACC Liverpool. It was a tremendous honour to show The Queen everything which has been achieved here and for her to officially open this fantastic new venue for Liverpool."
Jacquie Rogers added: "I was delighted to meet The Duke and felt extremely proud to be able to walk him around and explain to him from start to finish the creation and development of ACC Liverpool."
Tim Banfield, Arena General Manager, said: "Everyone was very excited about The Queen and His Royal Highness visiting Liverpool and coming to see the fantastic facility which we have here on the waterfront.
"It was wonderful for so many people who have played such an important role in Capital of Culture Year so far to show off their talents in the Arena to the Royal party."
The Queen visited several attractions during her time in Liverpool, including St George's Hall, the Philharmonic Hall and Liverpool One – as well as ACC Liverpool, home of the Echo Arena and BT Convention Centre.
The 10,600 seat Echo Arena held its first events at the start of 2008, including the opening event of the city's year as European Capital of Culture – Liverpool: The Musical – on January 12.
This was followed by the adjoining BT Convention Centre, which opened in stages to host events such as the Liberal Democrats Spring Conference and the National Association of Head teachers conference.
The facility was fully completed last month and The Queen’s visit marked its formal opening.
ACC Liverpool consists of the 10,600-seat Echo Arena and the state of the art BT Convention Centre. The latter features a 1,350 seat auditorium, a 3725 sq metre multi-purpose hall 18 meeting rooms and total exhibition space in excess of 7000 sq metres.
ACC Liverpool's partners are Liverpool City Council, Liverpool Vision, national regeneration agency English Partnerships, the European Objective One programme and the North West Regional Development Agency.
